Alcoholism Treatment, Effects, and Complications

Alcoholism can lead to heart, liver, digestive, and memory problems, among other harmful effects.

Alcoholism, or alcohol dependence, has long been associated with a set of classical symptoms, such as experiencing alcohol withdrawal or continuing to drink alcohol even after suffering physical or psychological health problems.

Along with alcohol abuse, alcoholism is now considered part of a broader condition called alcohol use disorder (AUD), as defined by the American Psychiatric Association.

Over time, alcoholism (and AUD) can cause a number of complications, but this chronic disease is treatable.

Effects of Alcohol

Alcohol affects every organ in the body.

In many organs, the effects of alcohol build over time, and the damage becomes apparent only after years of abuse.

But the brain experiences the effects of alcohol right away, resulting in changes in mood, behavior, judgment, and coordination.

In the short term, alcohol consumption may cause:

Difficulty walking

Blurred vision

Reduced inhibitions

Confusion

Difficulty concentrating

Breathing problems

Slurred speech

Slowed reaction time

Memory loss

Blackouts

Coma

Hangover

Drinking alcohol can also raise your risk of:

Injuries from accidents (such as crashing a motor vehicle, falling, or getting burned)

Aggressive or violent behavior, including suicide, homicide, and sexual assault